Globe Schiedea: A Rare Hawaiian Native Worth Protecting
Meet the globe schiedea (Schiedea globosa), one of Hawaii’s most precious botanical treasures. This charming native shrub might not be the showiest plant in your garden, but what it lacks in flashy blooms, it makes up for in ecological importance and understated beauty. If you’re passionate about native Hawaiian plants and conservation gardening, this little-known species deserves a spot on your radar.
What Makes Globe Schiedea Special?
Globe schiedea is a perennial shrub that’s exclusively native to the Hawaiian Islands. True to its shrubby nature, it typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Its narrow, linear leaves give it an elegant, fine-textured appearance, while clusters of small white flowers add delicate charm to the landscape.
This plant goes by several scientific synonyms, including Schiedea remyi, but Schiedea globosa is the accepted name you’ll want to remember when searching for it.
Where Does It Grow?
Globe schiedea calls Hawaii home and only Hawaii. This endemic species has evolved specifically within the Hawaiian island ecosystem, making it found nowhere else on Earth. Within Hawaii, you can find it growing on several islands including Maui, Molokai, and the Big Island.
The Rarity Reality Check
Here’s where things get serious: globe schiedea has a Global Conservation Status of S2, meaning it’s classified as Imperiled. With typically only 6 to 20 occurrences and fewer than 1,000 to 3,000 remaining individuals, this plant is walking a tightrope toward extinction. This rarity status is crucial for any gardener considering growing this species.
Should You Grow Globe Schiedea?
The answer is a cautious yes – but only if you can source it responsibly. Given its imperiled status, never collect globe schiedea from the wild. Instead, seek out reputable native plant nurseries that propagate from ethically sourced material. By growing this species in your garden, you’re essentially creating a backup population and supporting conservation efforts.
Perfect For These Garden Types:
- Native Hawaiian plant gardens
- Conservation-focused landscapes
- Specialized botanical collections
- Educational demonstration gardens
Growing Conditions and Care
Globe schiedea thrives in USDA hardiness zones 10-11, making it suitable only for tropical and subtropical climates. If you live outside Hawaii, you’ll need greenhouse conditions or indoor growing setups to keep this plant happy.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Well-draining soil that doesn’t stay soggy
- Moderate moisture levels – not too wet, not too dry
- Partial shade to full sun exposure
- Protection from strong winds
- Soil conditions similar to native Hawaiian environments
Planting and Care Tips
Growing globe schiedea requires patience and attention to detail. This isn’t a plant it and forget it species. Provide consistent but not excessive watering, ensuring the soil drains well between waterings. The plant benefits from soil amendments that mimic its native Hawaiian habitat.
Because of its specialized needs, consider connecting with local native plant societies or botanical gardens for growing advice specific to your location and conditions.
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While globe schiedea may seem understated, it plays an important role in supporting native Hawaiian pollinators and insects. Its small white flowers provide nectar and pollen for specialized native species that have co-evolved with Hawaiian flora over thousands of years.
The Bottom Line
Globe schiedea represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. By choosing to grow this rare native Hawaiian plant, you’re participating in conservation efforts while adding a unique piece of Hawaii’s natural heritage to your garden. Just remember: source responsibly, grow with care, and appreciate the privilege of nurturing one of nature’s increasingly rare treasures.
Whether you’re creating a native Hawaiian landscape or simply want to support plant conservation, globe schiedea offers a meaningful way to connect with Hawaii’s irreplaceable botanical heritage – one carefully tended shrub at a time.
